Alive To God In Jesus Christ Author:Joseph D. Small The Moderator's 2009 Lentin Bible Study — Includes small group study guide. — From the Introduction: Baptism is the central celebration of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. From the beginning of the Christian movement, a profession of faith preceded Baptism. The church developed the Apostles... more »' Creed as a Baptismal creed, a concise expression of the apostolic faith uniting baptized believers. Originally, candidates for Baptism were asked three questions, answering in the words of the Creed:
Do you believe in God?
"I believe in God the Father almighty...
"Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
"I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord..."
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
"I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church..."
In the contemporary church, professions of faith are still made in response to questions. For examle, "Who is your Lord and Savior?" to which persons respond, "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior."
At Baptism, persons declare that a human being named Jesus, who lived in a particular time and place, is God's anointed one, the very presence of God among us. As the Christ, this Jesus is Lord of time and space, Savior of the world. But there is more. Christians declare, "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior." Jesus Christ is God with us. God for us. Thus, the Baptismal profession of faith says something about God, about each of us, and about how we can live God's new Way in the world.
By reading this book, you have embarked on a disciplined study of the Christian doctrine of the incarnation over the next forty days. The daily readings that follow are designed for individual study and reflection. Perhaps you observe a regular devotional time during your day; these reading could provide content for that important time. For those who wish to reflect on these readings in a group setting, a small-group study guide is offered on page 77.« less